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SOIL TO SOUL

According to the motto "You are what you eat", Soil to Soul is an association that deals with the topics of soil conservation, regenerative agriculture and the connection of a responsible, healthy and enjoyable diet. The highlight is the annual symposium, which aims to raise awareness of healthy soils and the interconnected impacts of soil issues on the environment and human health.

AVINA supports Soil to Soul in providing a year-round platform to present contexts, research, ideas and visions around sustainable agriculture to a broad audience.

Thomas Sterchi &

Alexandra Aebersold

In our interview, Thomas Sterchi and Alexandra Aebersold talk about the origins of Soil to Soul, report on the most successful projects and explain the "Soil to Soul" cycle.

When, where and how did the idea for the Soil to Soul association come about?

Soil to Soul was founded by Zurich entrepreneur Thomas Sterchi in 2020. With the purchase of 600 hectares of land in Portugal in the Alentejo region in 2018, Thomas Sterchi and his family of friends began to take a close look at the topic of soil. The soil on the land was left in an unsatisfactory state: it was exposed to desertification. It quickly became clear that they would run the Terramay farm with regenerative agriculture in the future in order to regenerate the heavily utilised soils within a short space of time and provide a habitat for a wide variety of species. The second source of inspiration for Soil to Soul comes from the nutritional teachings of the Austrian naturopath Franz Xaver Mayr. The human intestine is a huge organ colonised by an enormous number of beneficial bacteria. And because of its size in relation to the rest of the human body, a healthy gut is half the battle when it comes to a healthy life. It quickly became clear that the soil and the gut are connected, which is how the cycle and the idea for Soil to Soul came about.

In order to save the soil, we need an overall social effort and human creativity as a driving force. That's why we need to leave entrenched thought patterns behind us, and the experts will help us with their knowledge.

What is the 'Soil to Soul' cycle?

The basis - the soil: Healthy fertile soil is the foundation of life and forms the basis of the Soil to Soul cycle. Sustainable use, nutrient supply, renunciation of pesticides, green manuring and the earthworms; all this contributes to the preservation of the soil. Only healthy, fertile soil can bind CO2 and absorb and store water.

The producers - regenerative agriculture: Regenerative agriculture produces nutrient-dense and healthy food, promotes biodiversity and treats soil, plants and animals with respect. It produces from a permanently fertile and healthy soil and contributes decisively to its preservation and health.

The consumers - enjoyable nutrition: Ecologically sustainable and high-quality produced food is particularly healthy and enjoyable for humans. Buying seasonal products from sustainable agriculture not only has a positive effect on our health, but is also better for our environment.

The effect - gut health: You are what you eat! - Healthy food contributes to good digestion and strengthens the immune system. A diet that is as plant-based as possible, organic, low in fat and salt, rich in fibre and free of preservatives is the best prerequisite for a healthy intestinal flora.

What has been the most successful project/initiative for you personally so far and why?

Producer Arena: One of our most valuable initiatives in 2023 was the realisation of the first Soil to Soul Producers' Arena together with Dominik Flammer. Producers and restaurateurs were invited. The aim of the event is a close exchange between gastronomy and agriculture. Each and everyone was able to briefly introduce themselves in the panel, which was moderated by Flammer, and contacts were made and exchanged during the subsequent speed dating.

Network Lounge: With the implementation of the network lounge at the symposium, we created a place where experts, partners and invited guests from the industry had access and where exciting conversations took place. With the help of the network lounge, the exchange and the network were promoted and expanded.

Masterclasses: Our master classes at the symposium are a particularly valuable format. Here, people not only listen, but also get involved themselves. The intimate and personal setting offers beginners as well as professionals new knowledge and what is learned can be put into practice immediately. We want to keep this format in the future and expand it thematically.

How is the collaboration with AVINA of particular value to you?

We value the cooperation with the Avina Foundation enormously. Through their support as well as their network, we are able to implement certain initiatives and advance the important issue of Soil to Soul. By working together, we can set important accents and achieve a greater impact in terms of the transformation to a sustainable food and agriculture system.

Please describe the "Pre-Lab MushRoom" project in a maximum of 5 sentences. What and who is the primary aim of the "Pre-Lab MushRoom"?

Mushrooms are the heroes of the future because of their important functions. They play a hugely important role in soil life, they have medicinal effects on humans and are an important and enjoyable alternative to meat. With the Pre-Lab Mushroom, we want to offer mushrooms the attention they need and focus on the different functions, effects and types of mushrooms. The project is aimed at newcomers, professionals and all mushroom lovers.